Yes, teeth can hurt when they come out, but it's not always the case. The level of discomfort varies greatly from person to person, and even from tooth to tooth.
Teething in Infants
When babies are teething, the process can cause discomfort. Here's what you might notice:
- Sore and Red Gums: The gum area where the tooth is erupting often becomes red and inflamed.
- Increased Drooling: Teething stimulates saliva production.
- Irritability: Babies may be fussier than usual due to the discomfort.
- Chewing: The pressure from chewing can help relieve the pain, so babies often gnaw on objects.
Important Note: While teething can cause some symptoms, it does not cause fever or diarrhea. If your baby has a fever or diarrhea, consult a doctor.
Permanent Teeth Erupting
The eruption of permanent teeth is often less painful than the eruption of baby teeth, but discomfort is still possible:
- Pressure: You might feel pressure as the tooth pushes through the gum.
- Sensitivity: The area around the erupting tooth may be sensitive.
- Crowding: If there isn't enough space for the new tooth, it can cause crowding and discomfort. This is particularly common with wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are notorious for causing pain when they erupt. This is often due to:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth frequently become impacted, meaning they don't have enough room to erupt properly. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
- Misalignment: If wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, they can put pressure on other teeth and cause pain.
- Partial Eruption: When only part of the wisdom tooth erupts, it can create a flap of gum that traps food and bacteria, leading to infection and pain.
When to See a Dentist:
If you experience significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection when a tooth is erupting, consult a dentist. They can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment, such as pain medication, antibiotics, or tooth extraction.
In summary, the level of pain associated with tooth eruption varies. While some people experience little to no discomfort, others may have significant pain and require dental intervention.
